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DENVER –
Coloradans shivering from colder than normal temperatures and rising
natural gas costs will get some relief as Energy Outreach Colorado
distributes $1.4 million in additional energy assistance funds on
February 1.
Energy Outreach Colorado, the only non-profit in the state that raises
funds for energy assistance, contributes funds to 139 emergency
assistance sites across the state.
“Many of Colorado’s limited income families and seniors are overwhelmed
by their heating bills this winter, particularly since December was
about 10 percent colder than average and January is looking to be about
3 percent colder than average,” said Skip Arnold, executive director of
Energy Outreach Colorado, citing National Weather Service data.
In addition, Arnold noted that natural gas costs are the highest they’ve
been since two years ago in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, due in
part to the recent opening of the Rockies Express Pipeline that delivers
natural gas from Colorado to the Midwest.
As of January 28, Energy Outreach Colorado’s assistance network had
increased the total amount of energy assistance distributed by 21
percent over a year ago to $1.14 million, with the number of bills paid
increasing 11 percent to 3,177 and the average payment up 9 percent to
$361. In total, through four quarterly payments, the non-profit plans to
contribute at least $7.55 million this year for energy assistance. Of
that, $5.4 million will go to its assistance network and $2.15 will go
to Colorado LEAP (Low-income Energy Assistance Program).
Additional funding is critically needed, and tax-deductible donations
can by made to Energy Outreach Colorado by going to
www.EnergyOutreach.org or
calling toll free 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435). Energy Outreach
Colorado raises funds through individual, corporate and foundation
contributions. Many energy companies operating in the state, including
Xcel Energy and Atmos Energy, match their customers’ donations and
collect donations through customer bills.
Coloradans in need should call toll-free 1-866-HEAT-HELP
(1-866-432-8435) to obtain a LEAP application or to find an emergency
assistance organization near them with energy assistance funds
available.
About Energy Outreach Colorado
Energy Outreach Colorado is the only independent, non-profit
organization in the state that raises money to help limited income
Coloradans afford home energy. Since 1989, EOC has distributed nearly
$85 million to fund energy bill payment assistance, energy efficiency
upgrades for affordable housing and energy efficiency education. Energy
Outreach Colorado relies on private donations, corporate contributions
and foundation grants. It was named 2006 Outstanding Foundation by
National Philanthropy Day in Colorado, has received top ratings from
Charity Navigator for six consecutive years and is an accredited charity
member of the Better Business Bureau. Energy Outreach Colorado,
www.EnergyOutreach.org, can
be reached at 303-825-8750 or at 225 E. 16th Ave. Ste. 200, Denver, CO
80203-1612. |
